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Conservation groups oppose artist’s plan for river

SALIDA — Sportsmen and conservation groups are asking the Colorado Wildlife Commission to issue a resolution opposing the artist Christo’s proposal to suspend huge sheets of fabric over parts of the Arkansas River between Canon City and Salida.

About a half dozen people told wildlife commissioners Thursday in Salida that Christo’s Over the River proposal would increase traffic and noise, stressing bighorn sheep and fish. They say birds might fly into cables suspending the fabric.

Christo has said he’s committed to protecting wildlife.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife has recommended ways to mitigate any impacts on animals, but it’s the federal Bureau of Land Management that would decide on a permit for the project in southern Colorado.